French diplomatic mission arrives in Damascus after 12 years

A French diplomatic mission arrived in Damascus today after a 12-year hiatus, Report informs via Le Monde.

The delegation, led by French Special Envoy for Syria Jean-Francois Guillaume, visited the embassy building, which has been closed since 2012.

"France is preparing to be with Syrians for the long term" including the current transitional period, "which we hope will be peaceful," Guillaume told journalists.

His visit to Syria, at the head of a French diplomatic delegation, was also to "make contact with the de facto authorities in Damascus," he said.